Homeopathy

16:05 21 April 2005

The word Homeopathy comes from the Greek words meaning 'similar suffering'. It is based on the principles of Hippocrates, the Greek founder of Western medicine and dates back 2600 years.

In the 18th century, interest in this style of healing was rekindled and developed by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann.

Homeopathy is a healing practice that stimulates the body's ability to heal itself. The body, when encouraged has powerful curative abilities. The basis of homeopathy is that the best way to heal an illness is to introduce a substance that would produce the same symptoms of the illness in a healthy body. Simplified this means that 'like heals like'.

Homeopaths treat the individual as a whole and not just the symptoms of ill health. Many things can bring about disharmony in the body, resulting in illness. Consequently, the aim is to clear the body of all imbalances and not just the symptoms of illness.

What problems are treated? Homeopathy can be used to treat many health problems:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Stress and anxiety
• Fatigue
• PMT and menopausal problems
• Asthma
• Viral infections

Initially the patient may find that there their symptoms worsen for a short period. This means that the remedies are taking effect and is a good sign.

Remedies are usually in the form of powders of tablets. Homeopathy is a scientific and proven form of treatment. The British Royal Family have used homeopathy for over 50 years and still do today.

Your Homeopath should be registered with the Society of Homeopaths and have therefore passed both academic and clinical exams and adhere to a strict code of ethics.